The City of Carmel will bring to a close its observance of National Disability Awareness Month with a special showing of the movie Grateful: The Jenni Berebitsky Story on the Midtown Plaza screen. The movie, which tells the story of a woman debilitated by ALS, will be shown four times on Wednesday, March 31, and is presented by the Carmel Advisory Committee on Disability.
Carmel celebrated this month in many ways. Beginning March 1, the City partnered with the Carmel Arts Council to present a “virtual art exhibit” featuring Carmel artists of all ages and disabilities. The art is featured on the Carmel Arts Council website and was shared on social media throughout the month, as well as being prominently featured during the Allied Solutions | Meet Me on Main event. Select works are also being displayed on the Midtown Plaza screen.
The Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council used their monthly “What’s Up Carmel” podcast interview with Director of Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation, Michael Klitzing, to briefly discuss CCPR’s adaptive programs, as well as the organization’s culture of inclusion. Click here to view the podcast. For more information on the Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation’s Adaptive Programs, please visit Adaptive Programs | Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation.
Mayor Jim Brainard proclaimed March in Carmel as Disability Awareness Month and read a proclamation at the March 1 Carmel City Council Meeting. He also thanked those on the Advisory Committee on Disability for their service, including current members Mindy Cameron, Laura Campbell, Kellie Freeman, Melissa Keyes, Wendy Kiefel, Lyle Liechty, David Littlejohn, Beth Maier and Tim Paramore, as well as Chris Carlisle, Michele Leaks and Kelli Prader, who serve in advisory roles.
The Committee was established in December 2019 for the purpose of fostering a culture of inclusivity within the City of Carmel. This Committee represents the diverse needs and interests of disabled people, provides comment on the City’s current services, policies and practices and provides informed input on the development and assessment of future City projects and services that impact people with disabilities. The Committee also works with local employers encouraging them to hire more people with disabilities and helping create positive social activities to enrich the lives of people with disabilities, their families and caregivers.
Grateful: The Jenni Berebitsky Story tells the story of a woman debilitated by ALS who chooses to face her prognosis with gratitude, courage, honesty, and humor. Supporting Jenni is her “village” – family members and a large group of volunteers. Through her actions, words, and a beautiful smile, Jenni shows us how to live an engaging, productive, and meaningful life while dealing with extreme adversity. Produced by Amy Pauszek, the film was released in 2018 and has been screened at more than 30 film festivals and has won 14 special awards.
Showtimes on Wednesday, March 31, will be at noon, 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. There is no admission charge and families are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Please maintain safe physical distancing and bring a mask to wear in case you enter one of the nearby businesses.